Melbourne isn’t exactly short on event venues. Finding one that genuinely gets people talking afterwards? That’s a little harder.
High above the CBD, Elará Melbourne offers a rooftop setting with panoramic city views, contemporary design and the flexibility to host everything from product launches to gala dinners. It’s the kind of venue that naturally makes an impression before the first presentation even begins.
We caught up with the team behind Elará Melbourne to chat about what makes the venue different, how they approach memorable corporate events, and why sometimes a change of perspective is all an event needs.
If your venue had a personality, how would you describe it in three words?
Bold. Elevated. Unexpected.
Elará has style and sophistication, but it doesn’t take itself too seriously. It has great energy and is designed to make people feel something from the moment they arrive.
What’s one feature or space in your venue that always wows corporate clients?
The arrival onto Level 15. The lift doors open, guests see the venue and then step onto the wrap-around balconies with the Melbourne skyline surrounding them.
The reaction is nearly always, firstly “wow, wow. Wow” then “I had no idea this was here.”
What’s your dream corporate event to host, and why?
A major international brand launch where the entire guest journey is transformed, starting at street level and continuing all the way through to the rooftop.
Street signage, digital signage, screens, windows, bars and almost every surface guests see can be branded or decaled. By the time they reach Level 15, they have completely stepped into that brand’s world.
I love events that push the boundaries and make people ask, “How did they do that?” That is when our team is at its best.
What sets your venue apart from others in the corporate world?
Elará Melbourne was designed to allow a company to completely take over the venue and make it their own.
We can transform everything from the street signage and digital wayfinding to the screens, windows, bars and surfaces throughout the venue. It goes far beyond putting a logo on a screen. The entire building can become part of the event and the brand story.
Behind that is the full Evoqé Group team, bringing together food, creative, production, entertainment and operations to make it all happen.
What’s your “hidden gem” feature that people might overlook?
The level of branding and customisation available.
Most venues give you a screen for your logo. At Elará Melbourne, we can start the experience at street level and continue it through every stage of the guest journey. The building can become completely yours for the event.
People often arrive expecting another CBD event venue. Then they see their brand taking over the street signage, digital screens and guest journey before the lift doors even open on Level 15.
Elará Melbourne was deliberately designed to be transformed. We can brand and decal almost every surface guests see, allowing the entire building to become part of the event rather than simply being the place where it is held.
The views get people’s attention, but the real difference is our ability to make the venue completely yours. Combined with the energy, creativity and care of the Evoqé Group team, it allows us to create events that feel original, personal and impossible to replicate anywhere else.
How does your team make every event extra special?
We genuinely care about every event and treat it like it is our own.
We want to know more than what the room should look like or what food should be served. We want to know how the client wants their guests to feel. From there, we look for those unexpected touches through the arrival, food, entertainment or styling that will get people talking.
It is usually the little things, combined with a team that genuinely gives a damn, that make the biggest difference.
How does your team ensure every corporate event runs smoothly?
We plan everything down to the smallest detail so the client doesn’t have to worry about it.
Our sales, operations, kitchen, front-of-house and AV teams work together from day one. Everyone knows the plan, what they are responsible for and exactly what needs to happen.
When the inevitable curveball comes, we deal with it quickly and calmly without making it the client’s problem. Our goal is for them to relax, enjoy the event and spend time with their guests.
What type of corporate events does your venue attract most?
Since launching, we have seen strong interest in brand and product launches, networking events, executive dinners, awards nights, conferences, strategy days and premium celebrations.
People are looking for something different from the traditional hotel ballroom. They want a venue with personality, energy and a genuine wow factor, and that is exactly where Elará Melbourne comes into its own.
What corporate event trends are you noticing, and how is your venue adapting?
Corporate events are becoming less formal and much more focused on connection, energy and creating moments people will actually remember.
Clients want great food, flexible formats, indoor and outdoor spaces and strong visual moments that guests naturally want to photograph and share.
Elará Melbourne has different spaces and zones, so an event can continue to change and build throughout the day or evening. We also don’t believe in forcing every client into the same standard package. Our team works with them to create something that feels like their event and their brand.
Finally, what’s your go-to song for hyping up before a big event?
It would have to be “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen. The title pretty much says it all!
Want to host your next event at Elará?
From rooftop strategy sessions to skyline celebrations, every great corporate event starts with the right venue.
When you have a rough idea of dates and numbers, send us a brief and we’ll take it from there — checking availability, sorting the details and coming back to you with everything you need to make a decision.
Feeling overwhelmed by the venue hunt? Our friendly Venue Specialists are here to help — get in touch with them today.
